By Andrea Vasquez

San Jacinto College celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at each campus with a variety of events and activities for students, faculty, staff, and community members.

“We really wanted to showcase activities that represent the beautiful diversity within the Hispanic and Latino cultures,” said Claudia Alvarez, San Jacinto College senior administrative assistant to the associate vice chancellor for student success transitions and South Campus Hispanic Heritage Month Committee member.

A screening of the movie “Spare Parts” helped kick off the month, which also included colorful arts and crafts activities. Students and staff also enjoyed a “Salsa y Salsa” event with salsa tastings and free salsa dance lessons.

Adding to the spirit of dance, Mixteco Ballet Folklorico School of Dance and the Burbank Middle School Folklorico Dance Team brought the vibrant traditional dance style of Mexico to the campuses.

The campuses culminated the month of activities with luncheons featuring classic cultural dishes and panel discussions featuring local Hispanic and Latino professionals.

Alvarez added, “We wanted students to hear from professionals in a variety of industries about how their education brought them to where they are now. No matter the path they chose, their education opened doors for them that they probably would not have had access to otherwise.”